In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans have decided to part ways with their head coach, Willie Green. The dramatic move comes a mere twelve games into the 2025-26 season, highlighting the franchise's deep frustration with its disastrous start.
A Decision Forced by Poor Performance
The primary catalyst for this abrupt change is the team's dismal performance on the court. The Pelicans currently find themselves languishing at the very bottom of the highly competitive Western Conference, managing only two wins against ten losses. This poor record has been punctuated by several blowout defeats, with the most recent being a disheartening 118-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on their home court.
Announcing the difficult decision, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars, expressed his respect for the outgoing coach. "After careful evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to make a change at head coach," Dumars stated. "I have the utmost respect for Willie Green, and I am sincerely appreciative of his contributions to the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community. We wish him and his family all the best in the future."
The move received full backing from team owner Gayle Benson, who reaffirmed her trust in Dumars's judgement. "As I have stated, Joe Dumars is in charge of basketball operations decisions, and as one of the best basketball minds in the business, I trust him to make the right decisions for our franchise," she said.
Injury Crisis Derails Green's Tenure
Willie Green's time in New Orleans, which began in 2021, was a tale of promise repeatedly hampered by misfortune. A first-time head coach after successful stints as an assistant with championship-caliber teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, Green compiled a regular-season record of 150 wins and 190 losses over four-plus seasons.
His tenure had its bright spots, including guiding the team to two playoff appearances in 2022 and 2024. The 2023-24 season was particularly notable, as the squad secured 49 wins, the highest tally for the franchise since its early days in New Orleans. However, both playoff runs ended in first-round exits, and the team consistently struggled to maintain momentum, largely due to an unrelenting injury crisis.
The roster has been crippled by persistent health issues. Star forward Zion Williamson is currently out with a left hamstring strain, a recurring problem that has plagued his career. Furthermore, guard Dejounte Murray remains sidelined as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered back in January 2025. These absences have left the team severely depleted, both offensively and defensively, with Green rarely having the opportunity to coach his key players at full strength.
What's Next for the Pelicans?
Stepping into the breach as the interim head coach is James Borrego. Borrego, who was already serving as an assistant coach for the Pelicans, brings valuable head coaching experience from his time leading the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022. His familiarity with the existing staff and players offers a glimmer of hope for implementing fresh strategies to salvage the season.
The Pelicans' management is clearly hoping that this coaching change will inject new life into the struggling franchise and help navigate the ongoing challenges posed by injuries to its core talent.
